Cabo Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Under Investigation After Being Accused of Rape in Incident Before 2026 FIFA World Cup: Reports
The investigation involves a Brazilian translator who reported the alleged assault occurred at the team hotel in late March, with forensic analysis and police inquiries ongoing.
- Ryan Mendes, captain of Cape Verde's World Cup 2026 team, faces sexual assault allegations involving a translator during a March team trip to New Zealand, according to Brazil's Globo.
- The translator alleged Mendes assaulted her at an Auckland hotel following a March 27 match against Chile; she reported the incident to three Cape Verde Football Association officials but received no response.
- On May 10, the woman and her husband submitted complaints to the Cape Verdean Football Federation and FIFA, including a medical report and requesting Mendes be barred from the World Cup.
- New Zealand Police received investigation results on April 10, while FIFA confirmed it is in contact with local authorities; the Cape Verde Football Association declined to comment to Globo.
- These allegations cast a shadow over Cape Verde's performance, where the team secured a 0-0 draw against Spain and became the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup knockout rounds.
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Reports: Cape Verde’s Ryan Mendes facing rape allegation
Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes reportedly is under police investigation in New Zealand over a rape allegation. Mendes been accused of raping a Brazilian woman in March, the New Zealand Herald and other outlets reported. The 36-year-old winger has guided the tiny African country to the round of 32 at the World Cup. Cape Verde
Cape Verdean captain Ryan Mendes, who fights the World Cup in North America 2026, is the subject of a violation complaint in New Zealand filed by a Brazilian woman, according to Brazilian media O Globo.
Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Investigated By Police Over Alleged Sexual Assault In New Zealand
Cape Verde's World Cup campaign has been eclipsed by an off-field police investigation involving captain Ryan Mendes. New Zealand authorities are reportedly investigating the 36-year-old forward over an alleged sexual assault said to have taken place during the national team's visit to Auckland in March, just months before the tournament. Brazilian outlet Globo first identified Mendes as the player at the centre of the investigation, while repor…
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